5 Signs that Changemaker Stress is Impacting Your Life
Things are getting more chaotic as the pace of change accelerates. There are lots of reasons for this, but around the world, old systems are under tremendous strain. We're already in transition towards something new, but probably not prepared for the toll this uncertainty is taking on us as leaders.
Changemakers are always out at the forefront, catalyzing new visions, inspiring people in community to live from their values.
This makes our lives exciting and full of activity, but it doesn’t always mean we’re getting what we need for a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle. I know some of you just laughed when you read that, like “ha, that is so far from possible for me.” Keep reading. I got you.
Those of us working internationally in humanitarian aid or development, or working as public servants in government, may feel extra stuck and like nothing around them is moving, but don't be deceived.
The co-founder of the university I teach at just came out with a book called "The Future is Faster Than You Think," where he outlines how technology is moving so quickly that it's hard for business and government leaders to keep up —and it is their job to keep up.
I'm telling you this because if they're stressed about how to adapt to this emerging world, then it's absolutely normal to find that you're stressed too.
You might not even know why, because as things accelerate around us we tend to adapt without thinking about it.
When did replying to a text or email after a few days become something to apologize for? When did convenience and comfort become more important than human civilization's ecological stability?
It's as if our culture has moved on fast without us, and we're supposed to keep up or risk getting left behind.
I think that story is a game, one embedded with competition and comparison that is the hallmark of a system based on power and control. If we don't trust others, of course we need to win all the time. If we don't trust our governments, workplaces, or communities, how can we feel at ease?
Changemakers alive now are the most important people on the planet. The transition towards a different world is already underway, whether we look at planetary devastation, wealth disparity or exponential tech.
It's happening, but the way things go is not inevitable. It's up to us to decide what matters, and to act accordingly.
Only we can't do that when we're stressed out of our minds. We need to learn how to resource ourselves and how to center and connect to each other, because this is not an effort that can be accomplished alone.
The first step of this is to recognize when we're stressed, but that can be harder than you think. Our workplaces run on military-style efficiency, and the symptoms of stress might not be tolerated or might reflect badly on your professional standing. You might be hiding stress from your colleagues, your friends, and even yourself, thinking that it will go away on its own or that you can keep going, get through it, manage.
I invite you to explore the following telltale symptoms that you might need more support than you think. And don't worry if you have all five; we're going to be exploring this together and navigating what to do about it. So here are....
5 Signs that Changemaker Stress is Impacting Your Life
1. You see your friends less than you used to.
For the changemakers I work with one-on-one, this is the most common sign that things are out of alignment in their lives. Friends are our support network, the community structure that tells our nervous system it's safe to relax and restore itself. Hanging out with friends creates a cascade of neurological and physical benefits that act like a mental health multivitamin.
Although belonging, safety, and love are all things we can create for ourselves, the reality is they also need to happen in our interpersonal relationships. If you're not giving yourself the face-time you need with people who make you happy, you are making things harder than they need to be. Reach out, connect, and let yourself be nourished by community.
2. You have no time for your favorite activities.
This is another super common one, and a sign that this is true for you is that you just told yourself, "How could I have time for X, which used to make me happy? I have so much work and adulting to do." It's actually because we have so many responsibilities and so much pressure around us that we need to create time for play. Play is where our spirits replenish themselves and we generate the will to imagine a better world.
3. You are sleeping less or not as well as you used to.
I cannot overemphasize the scientifically-proven importance of sleep to your emotional, mental and physical health. No other action, aside from drinking water, will impact you more in the long-term. Sleep hygiene is simply a matter of ruthless discipline. Our bodies have a Circadian rhythm and sticking to it, as closely as possible, helps us adapt to stress with ease. I write more about this here if you're curious and share some simple steps you can take right now to improve your sleep. Trust me, the payoff is worth it.
4. You resent others who are taking time off.
This is a very simple test to see if you really, truly, deeply need a break. Imagine taking time off with your friends. Does it feel impossible? Do you get angry just thinking about it? What about imagining your friends on wonderful, nourishing vacations? Do you feel resentful and bitter, like such a luxury is beyond you?
I have news: relaxation is not optional. Our bodies need it like we need water, food and sunshine. And for us changemakers working at the edges of challenges and chaos, we need to relax and recharge more — not less — when things get hectic.
5. You find yourself complaining or gossiping.
If you catch yourself engaged in negativity, this is a surefire sign that you're stressed and need to take a break. Creating an instant buffer around yourself when you feel like you're descending into negativity can stop what easily becomes a self-reinforcing pattern.
Make sure that you're setting good boundaries between yourself and others, particularly the colleagues, friends, family or situation you find yourself being negative about. Giving yourself space and good boundaries can help you realign from a place of compassion and maybe even gratitude. What we pay attention to is what we're choosing in our lives, whether you like it or not. So whatever you chose to do to turn the negativity off, your brain chemistry will instantly improve.
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Wherever you find yourself on the stress spectrum, know that there is always something you can do to make things better. I hope you enjoyed this and if you know someone who might benefit, I invite you to share it with them. Sharing is caring!
Together, we change our global culture for the better and create a more equitable, enjoyable, and sustainable world. The future can be better than we think.
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